Hyderabad, May 24 (UNI) Two fragile premature twin boys born in Bilaspur, Chhattisgarh, weighing just 1.4 kg and 1.5 kg, were fighting for their lives due to severe infections when they were urgently airlifted to KIMS Cuddles Hospital in Kondapur, Hyderabad.
This marked the first time premature twins were transferred by air ambulance to the Telugu states.
Dr Aparna C, Clinical Director of Neonatology and Head of NICU at KIMS Cuddles, shared details of this extraordinary case. One twin was critically ill during transfer, suffering from both a fungal infection and a drug-resistant bacterial infection (Klebsiella), which led to multi-organ failure.
He was immediately put on a ventilator and given multiple medications, including blood pressure support. His kidneys had stopped functioning, and he had no urine output for 24 hours. The second twin was diagnosed with fungal sepsis and required CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) support. Both babies had extremely low platelet counts and needed multiple blood and platelet transfusions.
After nearly a month of intensive care, both babies showed remarkable recovery. Their infections were controlled, they began breastfeeding, and their weights increased to nearly 2 kilograms. Comprehensive tests including retinal screening, hearing assessments, and neurosonograms indicated normal results, suggesting no risk to their long-term development. The twins were
brought to Hyderabad on the 25th day after birth.
The dedicated care team led by Dr Rajashekar, along with the ICATT team, Dr. Vamsi, Dr. Aravind, Dr. Praneetha, and nurse Sunitha, ensured round-the-clock care during the twins’ hospital stay. While such air transfers are financially feasible for only a few, they offer critical clinical benefits by providing access to advanced infrastructure, experienced specialists, and immediate intensive care.
Dr Aparna praised the combined efforts of NICU specialists, doctors, nurses, and support staff who played an essential role in saving the twins’ lives. Following their successful recovery, the babies have been discharged and sent back to their home state, a hospital statement said on Saturday.
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